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Copay

Categories: Insurance

You go to the doctors because you and your girlfriend got too, um...frisky...and now you have something stuck...which you can't get out.

When you arrive, the receptionist asks for your insurance card and a fixed amount for services rendered at the office. This amount, which is usually listed on your insurance card, is called a copay. The copay is a specific amount of money, rather than a percentage of the total bill (known as coinsurance).

Copays are standard on most health insurance plans, and range based on the services, including doctors' visits, specialist visits, ER visits, and prescription drugs.

For example, the total cost to visit the doctor might run $125. However, the copay, which you’ll pay at the office, might be just $25. The copay will likely be much higher if the doctor is out of the health insurance network.

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